Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi people
Lamia Billah
Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, North South University
ENG105: Advanced Composition
Instructor: Poroma Subha Mostafiz
Submission date: 12th April, 2025
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 1
Abstract
This study explores the impact of cats on the mental health of individuals living in Bangladesh,
where emotional well-being is not given importance and mental health care is often inaccessible
or expensive. The research aimed to understand whether cats can help owners feel happier,
reduce stress, and provide companionship in a way that positively affects mental health. To do
this, a survey was conducted across 72 participants, including both people who own cats and
who do not. The study also consists of a brief review of existing studies on the psychological and
physical effects of human-cat interaction as secondary research. The results showed that most
participants felt emotionally supported by their cats, reporting improvements in mood, reduced
loneliness, and a sense of inner peace. However, some also pointed out that caring for a cat can
become stressful, especially for those going through severe mental health challenges. Although
cats cannot replace professional treatment, they may still play a valuable role in building a good
emotional support system for their owners. In a developing country Bangladesh, introducing
concepts like feline-assisted therapy could be impactful if we can establish greater awareness
around mental health and encourage a kinder approach to animals.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 2
Table of contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Research Questions ......................................................................................................................... 6
Hypothesis........................................................................................................................................ 7
Method……….................................................................................................................................... 8
Results………………............................................................................................................................ 9
Discussion ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................... 18
References....................................................................................................................................... 19
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Gender of participants ..................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: Age range of participants ................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3: Cat ownership experience of participants ..................................................................... 10
Figure 4: Effectiveness of cats in relieving stress and anxiety ...................................................... 10
Figure 5: Perceived physical health benefits of cat ownership ...................................................... 11
Figure 6: Factors that make cats beneficial/challenging to mental health .................................. 12
Figure 7: Reasons why participants do not keep cats ................................................................... 13
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 3
Introduction
Cats (Felis catus) are one of the most popular animal species to have been domesticated
by humans. The practice of domesticating cats can be traced back to almost 12,000 years ago, in
the Middle East (Zax, 2007). Since then, cats have been living alongside us, playing different
roles in cultures around the world, from being considered as sacred animals to becoming
beloved pets. Their self-sufficient yet affectionate nature makes them a loving companion for
many. Cats also have unique personality traits, which makes them compatible with their owners
and creates an emotional bond. Despite their popularity, little is known about their impact on
our mental health, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in how animal companionship can help
a person manage their psychological distress. Many studies have been conducted to learn about
whether pet animals can improve their owner’s quality of life. Most of these studies involve
other pet animals such as dogs or pets in general. According to Hinkert (2013), pet owners were
seen to score higher on an emotional well-being test compared to non-pet owners. In a similar
study, Brooks et al. (2018) discovered that “Pets provided calming support and were perceived
to have a ‘sense’ of when it was needed” (p. 15). However, there is not a lot of research involving
cats specifically. “Cats were not perceived as strongly a supportive pet as dogs. However, they
were found to be more effective at providing support as compared to other types of pets (such as
birds or fish)” (Khalid & Dildar, 2019, p. 81).
In a country like Bangladesh, where mental health stigma is widespread in rural and
urban regions (Faruk et al., 2023), there is a need for us to come up with non-traditional and
accessible ways to manage mental illnesses. By evaluating both the positive and negative effects
cats have on mental health, we can understand the psychological benefits of owning one, and
whether it could potentially be an alternative to usual treatment methods. This paper aims to
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 4
carry out such an evaluation and explore the relationship between cat ownership and the mental
health of Bangladeshi people. However, it is also important to note that while cats can improve
our emotional well-being by helping with stress, anxiety, and mild depression, they are not and
can never become a substitute for professional treatment in cases of severe mental illnesses like
schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In such cases, owning cats or any other pets should not be
encouraged as it could lead to them being neglected or falling victim to harmful behaviors such
as animal abuse.
Some studies have found scientific attributes that explain why cats have the ability to
make humans feel better. Ranard (n.d.) stated that the purring noise made by a cat, usually
20-140 Hz, can have a therapeutic effect on humans. “The presence of cats, their purring and
their soft and warm fur deliver both psychological and physical benefits for owners.”
(Tomaszewska et al., 2017, para. 5). A more detailed study by Nagasawa et al. (2023) revealed
that interactions with cats caused a decrease in heart rate and cortisol levels, along with an
increase in oxytocin. According to Khalid and Dildar (2023), “oxytocin was a hormone
associated with many positive effects on human body that included feeling relaxed and calm,
experiencing greater closeness to others and feeling reduced stress.” (p. 80). All these effects
combined may produce increased feelings of happiness, hence preventing mental distress.
Owning a cat may also improve physical health. Studies have discovered that people who own a
cat run a lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke (Hazel, 2024).
In Bangladesh, 66.4% of people with pets are cat parents (Chakma et al., 2024).
Although not statistically significant, Chakma et al. (2025) also discovered that pet owners were
41% less likely to have depression than non-pet owners. Hence, it is reasonable to conclude that
cats have the potential to provide therapeutic benefits. As suggested by Tomaszewska et al.
(2017), feline-assisted therapy can be used in a variety of settings, and it is rapidly gaining
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 5
popularity. The concept of feline-assisted therapy can also be implemented in Bangladesh, and it
will not be difficult to do so as there are approximately 4.0 million cats in our country, among
which around 564,848 are pet cats (Azam, 2025). Mental health services, on the other hand, are
not accessible to a large fraction of the population (Faruk et al., 2023). Incorporating the
affection and support of cats into mental health therapy could become an effective alternative
for many, offering some comfort in a country where mental health resources are scarce and
expensive.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 6
Research Questions
The research will seek the answers to the following research questions.
● How do gender, age, and socioeconomic status influence cat ownership in Bangladesh?
● Have people observed an improvement in their mental health (such as fewer symptoms
of depression, reduced loneliness, etc.) after introducing a cat?
● Do people in Bangladesh perceive cats as reliable companions to relieve stress?
● Is there any scientific evidence to prove that cats improve mental and physical health?
● What are the perceived challenges and benefits of cat ownership among individuals
living in Bangladesh?
● Could feline-assisted therapy potentially be effective for individuals with mental health
issues?
● Do Bangladeshi people perceive the psychological benefits of owning cats compared to
other pets, such as dogs?
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 7
Hypothesis
In Bangladesh, most people do not have a complete understanding of mental health, as well as
what it means to look after it. Since a very small amount of people actually take measures to
mentally heal, being around things that bring them happiness (such as having a cat) often serves
as a way to cope and destress. A fraction of our population also dislikes cats and is not accepting
of having them as pets for multiple reasons. By conducting this research, I expect to prove that
cats can significantly improve a person's mental health and that more people should consider
having one, especially if they are struggling with mental illnesses. I also expect to conclude that
pet cats have therapeutic effects on humans. Cats not only help us regulate our emotions but
also create a sense of responsibility and purpose. For this reason, by the end of this research, I
am expecting to show a positive correlation between having a cat and mental fitness.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 8
Method
The study consisted of a mixed-methods approach to investigate the effect of cats on the
mental health of Bangladeshi people. The primary research for this study involved conducting a
survey among both pet owners and non-pet owners. The questionnaire was made to understand
participants' mental health status and know about their current or past experiences with pet
cats, focusing on the apparent benefits and challenges of having a cat as a pet. The questionnaire
was distributed across social media platforms and was filled out by a total of 72 participants, all
of which are currently living in Bangladesh. Participants were chosen randomly to avoid bias
and this included people of all ages and all socioeconomic backgrounds. There was a
combination of closed and open-ended questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative
information.
To further authenticate the primary research, secondary research was carried out by
reviewing existing research articles on Google Scholar and other credible websites. Secondary
data focused on previous studies relevant to the topic. Relevant articles, peer-reviewed journals,
and reports from animal welfare organizations were reviewed to thoroughly understand the
relationship between pet cats and mental health. The secondary research helped support the
findings of this study.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 9
Results
The survey conducted across 72 participants showed some significant trends and
skewness. General information about the participants is provided below.
Male Female
Number of participants 16 56
Percentage 22.2% 77.8%
Figure 1: Gender of participants
As shown in Table 1, a majority of participants were female, while males made up a much
smaller percentage. The ages of participants are also relevant in the case of cat ownership. It is
displayed in Table 2.
Figure 2: Age range of participants
Most of the participants were of ages 18-25. Out of 72, 42 participants belonged to this
range. The 26-35 age group followed with 15 participants. The number of participants declined
with age. Only 2 participants were below the age of 18. This suggests that mostly young adults or
middle-aged individuals filled out the survey. Younger and older generations have shown lesser
engagement due to the questionnaire being distributed on social media platforms.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 10
The chart below shows the distribution of the participants based on their experience in
owning cats.
Figure 3: Cat ownership experience of participants
Here, the largest group, 32%, represents people who have never had a cat. Following this,
26.4% of the participants currently have one cat, while 23.61% own more than one, showing that
nearly half of the participants are current cat owners. Meanwhile, 18% of the respondents used
to have cats but no longer do. Overall, a significant portion of individuals have never had a cat,
but a majority (68%) have had some form of cat ownership experience, indicating a very strong
level of interest in cats. When asked whether interactions with cats make them feel happier, a
staggering 79% of the participants responded positively. 14% answered “Sometimes” and only
6.9% had no reaction after interacting with a cat.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 11
One of the questions required the respondent to rate how much a cat has helped them
with managing stress and anxiety on a scale of 1-10. The results of the question are displayed
below.
Figure 4: Effectiveness of cats in relieving stress and anxiety
Out of 72 individuals, 66 answered this question as not everyone has cat ownership experience.
This graph is skewed toward the higher ratings, as most of the respondents gave ratings between
7-10. This shows that most people experienced reduced stress and anxiety as a result of owning a
cat or interacting with one. The highest number of responses was seen at 10, with 33.3% of the
people rating 10/10. Low ratings were given by very few participants, indicating that very few
people were uninfluenced by cats. Moreover, when asked if a cat could help reduce feelings of
loneliness or sadness, 71% of the respondents chose ‘Yes, significantly’ while 25% reported ‘Yes,
somewhat’. Only 4% rejected the claim.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 12
Improved physical health often goes hand in hand with better mental well-being. People
who maintain good physical health naturally experience improvements in their mental
well-being as well. Participants were also asked to report whether they have experienced any
physical health benefits, such as improved sleep, lower blood pressure, relaxation, etc., by
rearing a cat. The results are displayed in the chart below.
Figure 5: Perceived physical health benefits of cat ownership
As shown in Figure 5, the majority of the participants noticed some form of
physical health benefit as a result of owning cats, whether it is better sleep or lower blood
pressure. Here, 48.6% noticed subtle benefits and 22% noticed great benefits. A significantly
smaller group (18%) did not notice any improvements and only 11% denied having any impact
on their physical health.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 13
The next question asked whether having a cat could be stressful or tiresome. The most
chosen option was ‘Yes, somewhat’, which was reasonable given that cats do require a lot of care
and attention. 40% of the sample group chose this option. However, the second largest group,
which was 38% of the total, chose ‘Not really’. A further 15% even chose ‘Not at all,’ indicating
that most people enjoy rearing cats even if it is tedious at times and that they do not perceive
their pet cats as a burden under any circumstances. Just 7% of the participants claimed that
looking after cats is extremely wearisome.
Several factors that make cats beneficial or challenging for the mental health of their
owners were listed as options, and participants were asked to select all factors that apply to
them. The responses to the question are shown below.
Figure 6: Factors that make cats beneficial/challenging to mental health
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 14
The graph shows that most participants see cats as beneficial to mental health.
Individuals selected multiple options each, with 78% reporting better mood or emotional
support, 76% reporting increased happiness, and 74% mentioning decreased loneliness. A sense
of responsibility and reduced stress and anxiety were noted by 74% and 65% of respondents,
respectively. While 44% also recognized challenges such as allergies or time commitment, only
19% reported physical benefits such as improved sleep, 7% saw no impact, and 6% selected other
effects. In the ‘Others’ option, one of the participants responded with a detailed explanation of
how owning cats may be both beneficial and detrimental to the mental health of their owner.
Their description was as follows:
“When they are small kittens, spending time with them is enjoyable. Watching them play
is very entertaining. However, as they grow older, it can sometimes feel monotonous.
When life becomes very busy, it becomes difficult to give them enough time. In such
cases, properly taking care of them becomes challenging. This, in turn, can increase
mental stress, as it feels burdensome not being able to fulfill the responsibility of a pet
properly. Providing medical treatment for a cat’s illnesses, giving regular vaccinations,
and other care can also feel costly. In short, if you have free time, having a cat is a very
enjoyable experience. But if you're busy, it becomes the opposite.”
- Participant
This statement reflects a common comcern among many participants who noted that while cats
do provide comfort, the responsibility of looking after them can sometimes add more stress
during busy periods. But overall, most people have experienced positive effects from having a
cat.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 15
A significant portion of the participants do not keep cats as pets. When asked why,
participants provided a variety of responses. The results are displayed in the chart below.
Figure 7: Reasons why participants do not keep cats
According to the sample group, the most common reason was that cats are expensive
(36.5%), along with parental restrictions (32.5%). Other significant barriers reported by
participants included pet cats being high maintenance and not allowed in their residences, both
being 21%. Additionally, allergies were mentioned by 15% of respondents. The same amount of
respondents simply do not want cats as pets. The smallest portion of 10% selected "Other"
reasons. In general, financial limitations and restrictions (like parental or housing rules) were
the primary obstacles to cat ownership for the participants. This shows that if it were not for
these restrictions, people would be interested in having a cat.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 16
The final question of the survey asked if the participants would recommend getting a cat
to someone who is struggling with mental health issues, e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, etc.
There was a vast difference between the number of people who answered ‘Yes’ and the ones who
answered ‘No’. 86% of the sample group affirmed they would recommend cats to individuals
living with psychological distress, proving that cats are indeed seen as emotional support
animals and are capable of improving mental health conditions.
The remaining 14% said they would not, and provided valid reasoning towards it. These
participants expressed that owning a cat may not always be appropriate for individuals
experiencing mental health difficulties, especially if their condition affects their ability to
consistently look after a pet cat. In such cases, the responsibilities of cat ownership, such as
feeding, cleaning litter, caring for their health, etc., could become overwhelming, potentially
leading to neglect or harm. There was another point that adopting a cat should not be done
solely for personal benefit or emotional support, rather, it should come from a place of genuine
love and commitment to the cat’s wellbeing and a proper understanding of the time and
attention required.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 17
Discussion
The results of this study suggest that cat ownership is considered as beneficial to mental
health among Bangladeshi people. Approximately 68% of the sample have had some sort of
experience in rearing cats. As mental health resources are scarce, the nation's youth seem to
have found comfort in feline companionship amidst their hectic livelihoods. These findings truly
align with previous research by Brooks et al. (2018) and Tomaszewska et al. (2017), which
discuss the therapeutic effects of animals such as cats. As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6, a large
portion of the sample rated cats as very effective in managing stress and anxiety.
A large portion of participants have also observed improvements in their physical health.
This aligns with the study conducted by Nagasawa et al. (2023), who found that interacting with
cats reduces cortisol and boosts oxytocin, promoting relaxation. Similarly, Ranard (n.d.) noted
that a cat’s purring may help in improving sleep and lowering blood pressure. Participants have
a highly positive outlook towards cats, with many saying they see their pet cats just like family
and that they feel at peace around them. On the other hand, Figure 7 visualizes the reasons for
not owning cats, showing that the majority of participants would adopt a cat if it weren't for
financial and external restrictions.
However, some participants also mentioned that cat ownership can present challenges.
Looking after pet cats could potentially become tiresome for people who are already dealing with
severe levels of psychological distress. Mental health disorders exist along a broad spectrum.
While some are manageable, others can be severe and can significantly hinder daily functioning.
In retrospect, the type of mental health issue should have been specified in the questionnaire
instead of generalizing it. Moreover, a larger sample size inclusive of more non-pet owners could
have improved the results' accuracy.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 18
Conclusion
In summary, this study supports the idea of incorporating feline companionship into
mental health therapy in Bangladesh, especially because traditional mental health resources are
inaccessible to many. The majority of participants associated cats with emotional support,
improved mood, and reduced stress. The findings align with existing literature on the
therapeutic effects of human-animal interaction, particularly human-cat interaction, proving the
initial hypothesis correct. Further research is needed to understand the approaches that could
be taken to introduce feline-assisted therapy into Bangladesh. To do this, we first have to
collectively overcome the stigma around mental healthcare. Until people feel comfortable talking
about their struggles and getting help, alternatives like this will not be taken seriously. At the
same time, we also need to treat cats with kindness. They live alongside us, yet they’re often
ignored and mistreated. But, they do have immense emotional value and they are capable of
giving so much to us if we just meet them halfway. Maybe once we learn to care for them with
the love they deserve, we will also start building a stronger, more meaningful bond with them. In
a country like Bangladesh where proper mental health care is hard to access, the quiet and
adorable presence of a cat can make a meaningful difference. It may not be the same as
professional treatment, but for some, it’s something that helps—and that matters.
Effect of cats on the mental health of Bangladeshi People 19
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